Try A Malasada At One Of These 5 Maui Bakeries

“Oh, and we’ll get malasadas,” my sister, a University of Hawaii student, suggested to me excitedly, as she spoke of my upcoming vacation to see her on Oahu! It was 2005. She was in her freshman year of college and I was still living 5000 miles away in Connecticut. “What are those?” I asked inquisitively. Little did I know then that these Portuguese holeless donuts were about to become my new favorite treat.

Fast forward to that much-anticipated trip and a visit to the famous Leonard’s Bakery. One bite of this sugary, deep-fried Hawaii food icon and I was hooked. But, my experience is not unique. In fact, pretty much everyone we’ve introduced malasadas to has had the same series of reactions – unfamiliarity, to curiosity, to borderline obsession. However, some research suggests that it took a minute (or 70 years!) for the malasada to truly have its moment.

While malasadas first arrived in Hawaii with the plantation workers in the late 1870s, it wasn’t until the 1950s that they became part of the Islands’ mainstream food culture. According to Hawaii Magazine, Leonard Rego, the founder of Leonard’s Bakery, introduced the Portuguese dessert despite the reluctance of his bakers on Mardi Gras around 1953. And the rest is malasada history!

Now ubiquitous across the state, malasadas are a true must-try. But where to get these sweet, deep-fried delights on Maui? Join us as we serve up our five favorite Maui bakeries for malasadas!

Komoda Store & Bakery (Makawao)

First up on our Maui malasada bucket list, check out Komoda’s Store & Bakery. This historic mom & pop shop is located on Baldwin Avenue in the paniolo (cowboy) town of Makawao. Distinguished by a fun, winter green and white retro storefront and often a line of patrons outside the door, this landmark Maui bakery first opened over a century ago. Best known for their guava-filled malasadas and stick donuts, Komoda’s also offers butter rolls, cream puffs, Long John’s and more. This is a must-stop. But go early! They open at 7am every day but Sundays and Wednesdays (when they’re closed), but can sell out by mid-morning. The earlier you arrive, the better chance you have at scoring one of their iconic treats. If you’re there on a malasada mission, we highly recommend the guava-filled malasada (which is coated in granulated sugar and cinnamon) and the malasada stick (a twist on their signature stick donut).

Donut Dynamite (Wailuku) 

Next up, head down to Donut Dynamite in Wailuku. This whimsical and colorful bakery is full of fun and flavor. Here, owner and chef Madame Donut lovingly makes each artisan pastry by hand. She is well-known for her craft menu that celebrates locally grown ingredients. And while it’s easy to see why the Insta-worthy donuts take center stage, don’t miss her malasadas (or fritters, or really, anything else on the menu). From classic malasadas to fillings like lilikoi (passion fruit) or vanilla bean, and her new malasada ice cream sandwich, there’s something for everyone. Donut Dynamite is open exclusively on Saturdays from 7am – 1pm. Don’t forget to preorder!

Home Maid Bakery (Wailuku)

Right down the road from Donut Dynamite, pay a visit to Home Maid Bakery. This full-service bakery first began serving Maui in 1960. Known for their crispy manju, they offer everything from dinner rolls, to Chantilly cake, to pastries like the malasada. Enjoy a plain with sugar or a custard cream-filled. Our favorite part?! They offer made-to-order, hot malasadas all day (5am-9pm), every day!!

Manuela’s Malasadas (Lahaina) 

Off to Lahaina for one of Maui’s newest malasada stops, Manuela’s Malasadas! Unassumingly located on the outskirts of 76 gas station, this cute, little blue and pink food trailer offers a menu full of malasada options. From the plain with sugar, or cinnamon, or powdered sugar, to fillings like haupia (coconut), mango and less traditional flavors like cookie butter and Nutella, Manuela’s offers a malasada for every palette. They are open daily, but double check Google for the most current hours of operation.

Sugar Beach Bake Shop (Kihei & Wailuku) 

Last but not least on our malasada tour, check out Sugar Beach Bake Shop in North Kihei (near our THERE Maui House) or Wailuku! This adorable bakery often has a line out the door, but mark our words, it’s worth the wait. From mini quiches (a favorite of both my dad’s and Brandon’s), to macarons, mini pies and pastries, including malasadas, Sugar Beach is a must-visit full service bakery. Malasadas are served hot Monday – Saturday from 6am – 10am. Try the plain with sugar, or cinnamon sugar, or li hing mui, or enjoy one of their filled like ube or toasted coconut.

Ready for another bite of info? Check out our favorite Maui pie shops here!